David Moyes will be confirmed as the next Manchester United manager today following Sir Alex Ferguson’s recommendation to the club’s hierarchy that his fellow Scot succeed him at Old Trafford.
Moyes, whose £4million-a-year contract at Goodison Park expires at the end of
the season, was in London on Wednesday evening to discuss his departure from
Everton with the club chairman Bill Kenwright.
But with United
confirming on Wednesday morning that Ferguson will end his 27-year reign as
manager following the Premier League fixture against West Bromwich Albion at
the Hawthorns on May 19, Moyes’ arrival at Old Trafford is understood to be
a formality, with the champions hoping to conclude negotiations on Thursday.
Despite long-term speculation linking Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho with the
United job, the Portuguese was not considered by the club’s American owners,
the Glazer family.
Ferguson informed them in late February that this season would be his last.
Neither United chief executive David Gill nor the Glazers tried to change
his mind.
The Glazers and Gill sought Ferguson’s advice on the man best suited to
succeed him and he nominated Moyes. Senior figures at the club confirmed
that the 71-year-old’s contribution was fundamental to the decision to
pursue Moyes.
Although Moyes’s lack of Champions League experience has been raised as a
potential handicap to his ability to build on Ferguson’s legacy of two
European Cups, United are confident that the 50-year-old will thrive among
Europe’s elite.
Leading figures in the game, including Ferguson, have made it clear to Gill and the Glazers that Moyes’ tactical acumen is the equal of Europe’s leading coaches.
His commitment to building teams and his longevity at Everton have also been cited as crucial factors in United’s decision to recruit him.
Ferguson and Moyes have formed a strong relationship since the then-Preston North End manager rejected the opportunity to become Ferguson’s assistant in 1999.
Their shared principles have created a sense within United that they have hired a man who bears a close resemblance to the 44-year-old enticed from Aberdeen as Ron Atkinson’s successor in November 1986.
Ferguson is understood to believe that the time is right to leave the club because United have reasserted their dominance both locally and nationally. United sources denied that the hip surgery later he has planned for the summer influenced the retirement decision.
“The decision is one that I have thought a great deal about and that I have not taken lightly,” Ferguson said. “It is the right time. It was important to me to leave an organisation in the strongest possible shape and I believe I have done so.
“The quality of this league-winning squad, and the balance of ages within it, bodes well for continued success at the highest level whilst the structure of the youth set-up will ensure that the long-term future of the club remains a bright one.
“I am delighted to take on the roles of both director and ambassador for the club. With these activities, along with my many other interests, I am looking forward to the future.
“In my early years, the backing of the board, and Sir Bobby Charlton in particular, gave me the confidence and time to build a football club, rather than just a football team.”
Although Ferguson has accepted the role of non-executive director, he will not have an office at Old Trafford or Carrington, with his retirement described by sources as a “clean break”. That will spare Moyes the prospect of his predecessor retaining a presence similar to Sir Matt Busby’s following his retirement in 1969.
Martin Edwards, the chairman who appointed Ferguson as manager in 1986, insists he will not present a distraction for Moyes.
“Alex is aware of what happened when Sir Matt stepped down,” Edwards said. “Any new manager would be happy to have him in the background and imparting his knowledge to them. I don’t see the problem arising again.”
Charlton, who has worked closely with Ferguson, echoed those comments. “Alex Ferguson doesn’t work like that,” Charlton said. “He won’t interfere. It would be to the detriment of the club. He’s famed for his decision-making and this will just be another decision.”
Former United captain Gary Neville, whose brother Phil has spent eight years working under Moyes at Everton, believes he will be an ideal successor to Ferguson. “I would welcome it and it makes sense in some ways,” Neville said.
“They [United] want someone to respect the tradition and history of the club and somebody who is there for the long-term. This is not a club that will go for quick fixes. I see the appointment as a result for sanity in football.”
Moyes' in-tray: The key issues facing Moyes at Old Trafford
Wayne Rooney
Moyes set Rooney on the path to stardom at Everton and, although their fractious relationship has been repaired, he must decide whether to sell the 27-year-old this summer.
Deal with Fergie
Sir Matt Busby cast a long shadow on his successors. Ferguson will not have an office at Carrington or Old Trafford, but Moyes will have to ensure that he is the boss.
Profile
Rio Ferdinand was shocked by United’s global stature when he arrived in 2002 – now the club are much bigger. Moyes must cope with this during their Far East summer tour.
The dressing room
Moyes has produced top-eight teams, but failed to win silverware. He will encounter players with medals galore, so he must convince them that he can deliver further success.
Signings
Moyes will want signings to freshen Ferguson’s squad. Everton’s Leighton Baines is an obvious target and United’s midfield could use a dominant figure like Marouane Fellaini.
Leading figures in the game, including Ferguson, have made it clear to Gill and the Glazers that Moyes’ tactical acumen is the equal of Europe’s leading coaches.
His commitment to building teams and his longevity at Everton have also been cited as crucial factors in United’s decision to recruit him.
Ferguson and Moyes have formed a strong relationship since the then-Preston North End manager rejected the opportunity to become Ferguson’s assistant in 1999.
Their shared principles have created a sense within United that they have hired a man who bears a close resemblance to the 44-year-old enticed from Aberdeen as Ron Atkinson’s successor in November 1986.
Ferguson is understood to believe that the time is right to leave the club because United have reasserted their dominance both locally and nationally. United sources denied that the hip surgery later he has planned for the summer influenced the retirement decision.
“The decision is one that I have thought a great deal about and that I have not taken lightly,” Ferguson said. “It is the right time. It was important to me to leave an organisation in the strongest possible shape and I believe I have done so.
“The quality of this league-winning squad, and the balance of ages within it, bodes well for continued success at the highest level whilst the structure of the youth set-up will ensure that the long-term future of the club remains a bright one.
“I am delighted to take on the roles of both director and ambassador for the club. With these activities, along with my many other interests, I am looking forward to the future.
“In my early years, the backing of the board, and Sir Bobby Charlton in particular, gave me the confidence and time to build a football club, rather than just a football team.”
Although Ferguson has accepted the role of non-executive director, he will not have an office at Old Trafford or Carrington, with his retirement described by sources as a “clean break”. That will spare Moyes the prospect of his predecessor retaining a presence similar to Sir Matt Busby’s following his retirement in 1969.
Martin Edwards, the chairman who appointed Ferguson as manager in 1986, insists he will not present a distraction for Moyes.
“Alex is aware of what happened when Sir Matt stepped down,” Edwards said. “Any new manager would be happy to have him in the background and imparting his knowledge to them. I don’t see the problem arising again.”
Charlton, who has worked closely with Ferguson, echoed those comments. “Alex Ferguson doesn’t work like that,” Charlton said. “He won’t interfere. It would be to the detriment of the club. He’s famed for his decision-making and this will just be another decision.”
Former United captain Gary Neville, whose brother Phil has spent eight years working under Moyes at Everton, believes he will be an ideal successor to Ferguson. “I would welcome it and it makes sense in some ways,” Neville said.
“They [United] want someone to respect the tradition and history of the club and somebody who is there for the long-term. This is not a club that will go for quick fixes. I see the appointment as a result for sanity in football.”
Moyes' in-tray: The key issues facing Moyes at Old Trafford
Wayne Rooney
Moyes set Rooney on the path to stardom at Everton and, although their fractious relationship has been repaired, he must decide whether to sell the 27-year-old this summer.
Deal with Fergie
Sir Matt Busby cast a long shadow on his successors. Ferguson will not have an office at Carrington or Old Trafford, but Moyes will have to ensure that he is the boss.
Profile
Rio Ferdinand was shocked by United’s global stature when he arrived in 2002 – now the club are much bigger. Moyes must cope with this during their Far East summer tour.
The dressing room
Moyes has produced top-eight teams, but failed to win silverware. He will encounter players with medals galore, so he must convince them that he can deliver further success.
Signings
Moyes will want signings to freshen Ferguson’s squad. Everton’s Leighton Baines is an obvious target and United’s midfield could use a dominant figure like Marouane Fellaini.
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